Category: News

WNZR presents the December 2023 MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s new President, Dr. Carson Castleman, talked with WNZR with our monthly MVNU Update.

Dr. Carson Castleman talked about wrapping up fall semester.
He shared that he is so thankful for the opportunity to come to MVNU to serve along the faculty, staff, and students.
He announced the hiring of a two new Vice Presidents.
The new VP of Spiritual Life and Church Relations is Rev. David Mills.
The new VP for Enrollment and Marketing is Johnna Vanover, a 2011 MVNU graduate.

Dr. Carson Castleman also shared an update on the Strategic Investment Projects or SIP’s.
He shared the latest news on the Master of Science and Speech Language Pathology, Master of Social Work and Doctorate Program of Nurse Practitioners.

MVNU is also starting an exciting program called Ignite. This new two-year certificate program is designed to support high school graduates with intellectual disabilities.

Dr. Castleman also talked about two challenges for all colleges and universities – budgeting and enrollment. He shared his plans for building lasting connections and opportunities for growth.

Dr. Castleman talked about his top priorities for MVNU in the year 2024.
His top priority is enrollment, and he wants others to know and experience MVNU.

He shares a special message for students, faculty and staff as the fall semester ends.
He also shares a family update and the Castleman plans for Christmas.

Click HERE to stay up to date with news from MVNU.

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Join WNZR at the Fredericktown Christmas Walk this Saturday!

There is an exciting family event happening this Saturday in Fredericktown!
Join the Big Blue Crew and have some fun at the 2023 Fredericktown Christmas Walk.

The Morning Thing featured members of the Walk Committee on Wednesday and Thursday.
Listen in as they share highlights of the schedule, details of the numerous activities, and what this event means to the community. Each member talks about how important it is to support one another and the great impact that all money raised at the Walk will have on families from Fredericktown.

Proceeds from the Fredericktown Christmas Walk support Fredericktown Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army through Food For The Hungry. The Walk proceeds also support the Fredericktown Community Relief fund which helps residents with financial support for rent and utilities.

Enjoy the conversations with Loely Lepley, Cecelia McClelland, Robin McClay, Kristine Lindeman, Ellen Hoam, and Carolyn Fergus.

For the latest updates on The Fredericktown Christmas Walk, go to their Facebook page.

Here is the schedule:

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November 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 11/24/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
    • A sanitary sewer project on the North side of town – in Clinton Township
    • A waterline project on the Southwestern part of town, Buckeye Addition
    • The city is using Global Information Systems mapping to track any lead pipes in the system and address any potential issues.
    • Water and sewer lines in the Clintonville area
    • An elevation study on the West End
    • Extending the walk zone in the school zone at Martinsburg Road by 300 feet
    • Stump and Northview residents need to fill out income qualifications with the City
    • Buckeye Addition in Clinton Township
    • Plaza Drive
    • There are about 70 active construction jobs right now
  • Mayor Starr shares an update on the plan to create a new courthouse and police headquarters.
  • Mayor Starr shares the updates for the State Route 13 project within the city.
    • He encourages residents to see the plans and share their comments on the City’s website.
    • They are looking to make similar adjustments to the South Main St bridge as they did Mount Vernon Ave. bridge.
    • The Mayor says they are also considering adding heaters to the bridges to eliminate the need to plow snow in the event of inclement weather.
    • You can find more information about each of these city projects online under the documents tab of their website, MountVernonOhio.org to provide feedback.
    • Go to the documents page, scroll down to where it says Public Meeting Open House – SR13D Sandusky ST Realignment. You can click on the Exhibit files to see the plans. Then click on Comment Form and share your thoughts.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Discussion about food truck regulations, including taxes, location, fairness for regular businesses in Mount Vernon, etc.
    • Kline Development, which is a donated property on Prospect Street
    • Casey’s Way, the rezoning ordinance of the 34 acres on Upper Gilchrist. City Council will be holding a public hearing about it, on Monday November 27, where residents can come out and share comments.
  • The city is currently accepting applications for seasonal employees. They are open and looking for anyone to pitch in and help out and can always use help. With leaf pick-up going on right now, the mayor details what you can do if you missed getting your leaves raked to the curb when the crews were in our area. You can also go to their website to their press release to stay up to date on where they are in the pick-up process, and you can call 740-393-9517 or the street department at 740-393-9501.
  • The Mayor gives us some insight into the City’s preparation and plan for snow removal this winter.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
    • For the month of October, there were 1,331 calls for service, which was down from September, which was 1453.
    • From the October calls, there were 199 traffic citations, 263 Advocate Dispositions, and 13 cases of attempted or threats to attempt suicide.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • They had 501 calls for service in October. 87 percent of those calls were for EMS services, 13 calls for fires.
    • As for year to date, there have been just under 5,000 calls for service.
    • In the Mount Vernon zone, about thirty percent of those calls are in the Yauger Road area. They are looking into the installation of a new department in that area.
  • Mayor Matt Starr talks about all the upcoming events this December, including Winter in Downtown MV this coming Sunday, which will feature the Christmas parade and the lighting of the public square, Food For The Hungry on December 8
  • The Mayor shares his immediate goals for the city as we start December. He says that the city is in great shape, now it’s time for organization and balance with the influx of activity.
    • Take a look at their personnel to carry out the tasks they need to be completed
    • Focus on finishing out projects
    • Continue improving the quality of the city
  • Mayor Starr shares his highest priorities for himself and his team as they start the new year, including:
    • A zoning code rewrite
    • Organizational structuring to handle calls to all departments
    • Generating revenues
    • Protect current tax rates and utility rates for citizens
  • Mayor Matt Starr is thankful for the positive state of the City, as well as his family and friends, and the team he serves the city with.
  • He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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The Turkey Trot returns to Thanksgiving Morning!

Are you ready for Thanksgiving?
The Morning Thing has an idea on how to make the day even better.
Come out to the annual Turkey Trot to benefit Food For The Hungry.
We talked with Scott Burgess from WeRunMV about this annual event.
When: Thanksgiving morning. Registration opens up at 8am, the race starts at 9am
Where: R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Who: Everyone is invited including canines
What to bring: Non-perishable food and dollars to benefit the Food For The Hungry campaign

Scott talks about how cash feed more. $1.00 = $4.89 of buying power at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
All donations stay here in Knox County to support families in our community.

To find out more, go to www.foodforthehungrycares.org

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Mark Hall talks with The Morning Thing about 20 years of ministry with Casting Crowns

WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle had the privilege of talking with Mark Hall from Casting Crowns. This has been an exciting year for the group as they celebrate 20 years in music ministry.
Mark shares an update from their fall tour and talks about the break they are taking for the holidays.
He also talks about their new album and the amazing collaborations with so many artists and friends.
Mark also shares how their story is making it to the big screen in a new feature-length film.
So many lives have been touched by the music of Casting Crowns.
We hope you join the WNZR staff to celebrate their legacy by seeing the film,
Casting Crowns: Home By Sunday.
Listen to the conversation below.

Click HERE to see the trailer.

Click HERE for more information.

WNZR joins Casting Crowns in celebrating their 20 years of music ministry.
We are giving away tickets to see their new feature-length film – Casting Crowns, Home by Sunday.
The Casting Crowns Cinema Celebration Giveaway is HERE.
Listen for a special cue to call. When you hear a Casting Crowns medley from their debut album, Lifesong, call our studio line, 740-397-WNZR (9697).
If you are caller #3, you will be entered into a drawing to win 2 tickets to see the film on Thursday, November 30th.
Winners will be announced on The Morning Thing on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:30 am.
4 winners will join members of the Big Blue crew on a trip to see the movie in Ontario.
Thanks to Provident Entertainment for the tickets!

Synopsis of the film:
Celebrate 20 years of music and ministry in this brand-new documentary detailing the extraordinary journey of Casting Crowns, exclusive to theaters.

Known worldwide for their poignant songs of truth, Casting Crowns is arguably one of the most successful CCM artists in the last two decades. The GRAMMY-winning, multi-Platinum-selling group has sold more than 13 million albums worldwide and earned 15 career No. 1 singles.

Yet despite the many accolades, to Mark Hall, Casting Crowns’ lead singer and songwriter, his most important title is “youth pastor.” Through 20 years of touring and recording, the band has been faithful to always be “home by Sunday” to keep their local church commitments.

HOME BY SUNDAY shares the remarkable stories behind the band’s journey, music, and ministry. From their unique beginnings to the inspiration behind one of their most beloved songs and a near-life-ending diagnosis, HOME BY SUNDAY gives a behind-the-scenes look into the mission and mindset that has driven Casting Crowns for the last two decades.

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Psi Iota Xi partners with Knox County Elementary School to support Food For The Hungry

The Morning Thing talked with Debbie Ruggles, Chair of Psi Iota Xi about this year’s Elementary School Collection.
This is collection week! Local elementary school students are asked to bring donations to support the 2023 Food For The Hungry Drive.
Debbie shares a top 10 list of needs at our local pantries. She also talks about the rewards for the top collectors in each school and how the top classes can earn a pizza party!

Click HERE to find out more about this year’s collection.

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry.

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It is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child! Have you packed a shoebox?

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Jill Haught about Operation Christmas Child. Jill is the Church Relations Coordinator for Knox County and is part of the Central Ohio Team.
She shares her history with the ministry and how Samaritan’s Purse decided to start sending shoeboxes all over the world.
Jill shared some amazing stats about how many children are served through these shoebox gifts. She also shared how these children are learning about Jesus through this simple gift.
Jill tells us the do’s and don’ts of packing a shoebox and where to drop them off this week!
She also talks about how important the $10 financial gift is to getting the box into the hands of a child.
Jill also shared the 2023 goals:

  • 3,750 boxes for Knox County
  • 26,000 boxes for the greater Central Ohio Team
  • 966,000 boxes for the Great Lakes Region
  • 10.5 million boxes for the United States

Have you packed your shoebox?
Click HERE for all the details on how to pack your shoebox and read stories of lives changed by a simple shoebox gift!

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WNZR shares the November MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s new President, Dr. Carson Castleman stopped by WNZR to share the November Presidential Update.
He discussed his first month on the job, the challenges that he is facing and changes that he has already made for MVNU.
He talked about the change for the positional statement and recent administrative staff changes.
Dr. Castleman also shared his passion for MVNU’s enrollment and how he plans to personally be involved in the recruitment process.
Dr. Castleman shared his top priorities for the university as we wrap up 2023 and head into 2024. He also shared the steps he is taking now to help MVNU meet these challenges.
We also received a family update and celebrate the upcoming wedding of Dr. Castleman’s daughter.
We talked about Thanksgiving, time with family, and favorite dishes.
Dr. Castleman shared a special message for students, faculty and staff. He wrapped up our time by sharing how we can pray for him and his family.
Enjoy the conversation.

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Today is Kick-Off Day for the 2023 Food For The Hungry Drive

Today, The Morning Thing featured a special conversation with Lisa Mazzari, FFTH Executive Director and Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director.

The ladies shared an in-depth look at this year’s campaign.
Click HERE to hear the entire conversation or click the link below.

The topics included:

  • History of the organization and campaign
  • Dates for this year’s collection and broadcast
  • This year’s goal
  • How the legacy of giving is the true success story of Food For The Hungry
  • How this collection is really making a difference in our community.
  • Information about the Partner Board and their involvement
  • Highlights of the 2023 FFTH Event Calendar
  • How to stay connected
  • Distribution of funds
  • How FFTH is a local drive to benefit local families in Knox County
  • The impact of $1.00. In 2023, $1.00 will buy $4.89 in groceries at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective
  • How to give
  • Summer Grants
  • Winter Grants
  • Discussion about the mission of FFTH – “Working Together To Care For Our Neighbors”

If you would like to volunteer, call or text Lisa Mazzari at 740-398-0569 or
email lisam.ffth@gmail.com

Follow Food For The Hungry:
 – Facebook @Food For The Hungry Knox County
 – Instagram @ffthcares
 – Website – www.foodforthehungrycares.org

Food For The Hungry Board of Directors:
– Austin Swallow
– Jacob Doup
– Curtis Newland
– Marcy Rinehart
– Joe Rinehart
– Michelle Coscia
– Jim McLaughlin
– Lisa Lloyd
– Chelsea Porter
– Jim Riggle
– Melanie Snow
– Jared Stein

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October 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 10/27/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
    • Paving the Industrial Park
    • Stump and Northview residents need to fill out income qualifications with the City
    • Buckeye Addition in Clinton Township
    • Plaza Drive
    • There are about 70 active construction jobs right now
  • Mayor Starr shares information about the plan to create a new courthouse and police headquarters.
    • He talks about the 3 phases of this project: planning, design, and construction.
    • He is asking the public to share their thoughts and comments on the City’s website. Go to the documents page, and scroll down to where it says Public Meeting Open House – New Courthouse, Police Station. Then click on Comment Form and share your thoughts.
    • Mayor Starr shares the plan for the businesses that are being displaced during the construction of the new courthouse. 
  • Mayor Starr shares the updates for the State Route 13 project within the city.
    • He encourages residents to see the plans and share their comments on the City’s website.
    • Go to the documents page, scroll down to where it says Public Meeting Open House – SR13D Sandusky ST Realignment. You can click on the Exhibit files to see the plans. Then click on Comment Form and share your thoughts.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Committee Reports
    • Omni-Fiber Project is interested in broadband investment for fiber in the city
    • Legislation to continue TIF – Tax Incremental Financing
    • discussion on food truck operations within the city
    • purchase of playground equipment
    • contract with a local barber/beautician business
    • designation of a school zone in the Parrot Street area
    • ordinance to reclassify zoning along Upper Gilchrist Road
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
    • Shares an update on filling the vacant spot of Police Captain
    • St. Vincent DePaul school collection of teddy bears for officers
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • Controlled burn at Ariel Foundation Park
    • thermal imaging camera donation
    • Fire Prevention Week
    • update on filling some open positions 
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in November
    • Leaf Pickup starts on October 30. The schedule is on the City’s website.
    • Arts and Entertainment options
  • Immediate goals for November
    • Budget Planning
    • Finish the comment portion of the plans for the new Courthouse, the Police Department, and the State Route 13 Project
  • Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of November. He mentions that Proverbs 11:14 is giving him encouragement.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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